Estrace is used for treating conditions due to menopause (eg, hot flashes; vaginal itching, burning, or dryness), treating vulval or vaginal atrophy, and preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones). It is also used for estrogen replacement therapy after failure of the ovaries and to relieve the symptoms of breast cancer. Estrace is used for treating advanced prostate cancer.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Estrace as directed by your doctor.

Take Estrace by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of Estrace's side effects. Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking Estrace.

If you miss a dose of Estrace, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Estrace.

STORAGE

Store Estrace at room temperature, 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C), in a tight, light-resistant container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Estrace out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Estradiol.

Do NOT use Estrace if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Estrace

you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, have recently given birth or are breast-feeding, or have vaginal bleeding of abnormal or unknown cause

you have known or suspected breast cancer (unless directed by your doctor) or you have cancers that are estrogen-dependent

you have blood clots, vein inflammation, or liver disease

you have had a recent stroke or heart attack.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Estrace. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are planning to become pregnant

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have a family history of breast cancer, or you have breast lumps or disease, or an abnormal mammogram

if you have yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin during pregnancy or with past estrogen use, or high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia)

if you have a vaginal infection or womb problems (eg, uterine fibroids/endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, other uterine problems)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Estrace may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Estrace may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Estrace with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Limit alcoholic beverages while you are taking Estrace.

Estrace may cause dark skin patches on your face (melasma). Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing.

Estrace may increase the risk of blood clots. The risk may be greater if you smoke (especially in women older than 35 years of age).

Contact your doctor if vaginal bleeding of unknown cause occurs. This could be a sign of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Contact your doctor if vaginal discomfort occurs or if you suspect you have developed an infection while taking Estrace.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are presently taking an azole antifungal (eg, itraconazole), carbamazepine, a macrolide antibiotic (eg, erythromycin), ritonavir, cimetidine, or St. John's wort.

If you wear contact lenses and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor.

If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (eg, a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Estrace.

Nonprescription therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, as well as adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), which can cause allergic reactions in certain patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you previously had allergic reactions to the dye tartrazine, contact your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the product you are taking contains the dye tartrazine.

Estrace may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Estrace.

Lab tests, including physical exams and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Estrace. You should have breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least once a year. You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Estrace should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Estrace if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Estrace may be found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Estrace, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: